10 Things Guys Who Want To Get In Shape Need To Know

This article is part of our Dream StateMENTs feature, providing advice and inspiration to men who are following their dreams, no matter what they may be.

Dear Young Fella,

Pull your pants up. No, wait. We’re off to a bad start. This isn’t meant to chastise your choice of dress or your taste in music. I’m not that old.

When it comes to fitness, however, I’m a battle-hardened, bitter old man. I’m like that grizzled sergeant who has seen some badass shit on the front lines and in the trenches, and all he wants to do is help keep his raw recruits alive.

When it comes to building muscle and losing fat, there are many enemies you need to be on guard for. Here’s a list of all the things I’ve learned in the last 20-plus years that will help you achieve your goals, save money, save time, and possibly save your body — or even your life.

Be Careful When Buying A Gym Membership

First off, NEVER let any gym have your banking information. I also strongly suggest you don’t let them charge your credit card either. When buying a gym membership, pay up front in cash. They’re probably going to tie you into a term no matter what, so just pay for that term all at once with the green stuff. This way, afterwards there is no way for them to keep charging your bank account or credit card if you decide to change gyms or go a different route with your fitness.

And don’t ever be in a rush to sign up. Check out a few gyms and be on guard for the hardcore sales pitch, especially if it’s a franchise gym. What is a franchise gym? Without naming names, think of a gym that has multiple locations across a state, province or country.

Avoid The Trainers At A Franchise Gym

I’ve interviewed both former clients and former trainers of franchise gyms, and learned that these trainers are prized far more for their ability to sell training than they are for their ability to, you know, actually train clients and help them achieve their goals. It’s often about working with you in a way that makes you need to buy more and more training. They don’t teach you independence, but to be dependent upon them. This isn’t the case with all franchises, but my research has shown it to be a very common practice. It doesn’t always happen this way – there are good trainers at big name gyms, but be on guard.

Consider not bothering with the “free introductory sessions” that these trainers offer, because it’s sometimes an opportunity to give you a sales pitch by talking about how “dysfunctional” you are and how they can fix you.

Good places to get proper training are:

A gym associated with a university or college – these trainers usually have kinesiology degrees and aren’t trying to fill a sales quota.

A gym in a community center

An independent trainer working out of a studio

You won’t be able to bring an outside trainer into a franchise gym, but you can learn what you need elsewhere and still use that franchise for the awesome equipment.

Tell Your Trainer You Want To “Graduate"

You want to save money and be independently motivated, right? Well, then you need to tell any trainer up front that you want them to train you in such a way that you learn how to go it alone as soon as possible. Agree upon a set number of sessions to achieve this goal. You can always go back to them later on to tweak your technique, update your program or take your training to a new level.

Of course, if your boat is worth more than my house, and you want to use a trainer three times a week from now until forever as a hand holder to babysit you, then go big. The reason I’m giving you this advice is because I’m assuming you’re not related to Bill Gates.

Don’t Change Your Program Just For The Sake Of Change

It’s pretty easy to mix things up by changing number of reps, sets, amount of weight, order of exercises, lifting tempo, etc. You don’t have to completely overhaul your program every month or so. The vast majority of results come just from showing up and going hard. Some change is good, constant change is not necessary. Master the basics first.

Don’t Be In A Hurry

Words like “fast” and “hurry” and “shortcut” and “rapid” and “speedy” permeate the muscle gaining and fat loss fields. And it’s crap. The harder you work (and this includes working on your diet), the faster the results will come. But you have to go at a pace you can both physically and mentally tolerate. If you go so hard you hate the journey, you’ll never reach your desired destination.

It’s also frustrating to believe the lies and find you’re not progressing at the promised pace. Remember, slow progress is still progress.